Friday, February 06, 2009

Editorial: May Obama’s hope message touch every villageBy Bashir Goth

As Obama takes office, an unprecedented wind of hope and optimism sweeps around the world. In fact, Obama recognized this in his inaugural speech:”And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and we are ready to lead once more.”

From the strife stricken streets of Mogadishu to the gates of hell in Gaza; from the fear gripped alleyways of Baghdad to the terror dominated hills of Afghanistan; from the festering wounds of the Balkans to the internecine bloodletting in Africa’s darkest corners; from the hobbled people of Cuba to the recognition seeking people of Somaliland; from those groaning under the tyranny of Mugabe in Zimbabwe to the freedom loving people of the Caucuses countries, dreams are being woven around Obama’s Presidency.

It was benevolent of Obama to acknowledge this in his speech: “…To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West — know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”

Realizing the devastating effect the world economic meltdown has on poor people in developing nations, Obama had a word of promise for them:“…To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.”

Given to the enormous responsibilities waiting for him both at home and overseas, Obama may neither find the time nor muster the support to realize his dreams for the world, but the fact that an American President talks with such compassion and empathy to the world after eight years of arrogance and disaster is itself a moment to cherish.